Unforgettable and controversial: Viral video captures 50 Cent’s awkward kiss with Erin Andrews
Erin Andrews has set the record straight on her awkward encounter with 50 Cent at Daytona 500 last month.
The blonde Fox Sports anchor, 34, made headlines at the annual 500-mile NASCAR motor race in Daytona, Florida she appeared to give the rapper the brush off when he leaned in for a kiss on the cheek.
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Awkward: Erin Andrew’s kiss encounter with rapper 50 Cent caused some sensation at Daytona 500 in Florida last week
As Erin explained to Access Hollywood on Wednesday, she was overwhelmed with a mission to find and interview race car driver Danica Patrick.
‘It was my fault. I was rushed — none of the drivers were in their spot for the Daytona 500 pit walk. They were all in the bathroom,’ Erin said.
Erin, who was dressed that day in skintight red trousers, white blouse and black and beige jacket, was on air and wading through the crowd when she bumped into the Get Rich or Die Tryin’ star.
Brush off: Erin bumped into the rapper who leaned for a kiss but got the flash of a cheek instead
Surprise: Erin wasn’t expecting to find 50 Cent in the milling crowd and exclaimed ‘What are you doing here?’
Moving in: 50 Cent embraced Erin and puckered up for a smooch
‘Danica Patrick, who made history earlier this week, we’re going to see if we can talk to her,’ Erin’s broadcast began.
‘Of course 50 cent is here. What are you doing here?’
That was when 50 Cent made his move only to be rebuffed as Erin walked on. However, the rapper followed closely behind her.
Moody: Erin moved away before 50 Cent could kiss her on the lips
Less than pleased: After seeing this broadcast, many speculated that Erin was unhappy with 50 Cent’s kiss
Bigger fish: Erin wanted to find race car driver Danica Patrick, not get up close and personal with 50 Cent
‘We’re going to see Danica… can we find her… we’re still looking here,’ a nervous Erin told viewers. ‘I don’t think we can find her. This is what we deal with all the time. Thank you so much for letting me be a part of this.
‘Thank God 50 cent is here. We’re going to send this back to you!’
Many were quick to speculate that Erin was not pleased with the rapper for trying to kiss her on-air.
Frazzled: Erin was obviously under pressure and seemed nervous around the rapper
His two cents: Erin generously held the microphone to 50 Cent to hear what he had to say
‘I went and said hello to him. We’re actually business partners,’ Erin explained on Thursday. ‘He grabbed me, I went one way, they screamed “Danica,” I whipped my neck, I got whiplash and it’s fine.’
The Maine-born sportscaster is also spokeswoman for SK Energy drink company, which was coincidentally co-founded by 50 Cent.
In 2008, Erin was the victim of a stalker, Michael David Barrett, who filmed her through peepholes in her hotel room. One of the videos found its way to the internet and Barrett was eventually prosecuted and sentenced to 30 months in prison.
In a hurry: Erin explained on Wednesday that she was merely in a rush to find Danica and wasn’t unhappy with 50 Cent